Dear valued subscribers, St Patrick's Day is a time for celebrating Irish culture. Koroit, home of the Irish Festival each April, is a popular destination to experience the festivities. But today is also a time to pause and reflect on the events of March 17, 2018, when fires devastated parts of the south-west. Our dedicated team of reporters and photographers have spent much of the past few weeks talking to survivors. A series of stories this weekend have not only documented survivors' enduring pain but resilience and persistence. There's also stories of hope and optimism. We sincerely thank those who have trusted us with their stories and we wish you safety, happiness and success in every pursuit. We also, again, acknowledge the incredible efforts of volunteer and paid firefighters and emergency services. I recommend these stories to you. Last week I gave you the opportunity to pick up a free pass to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. The lucky winners of double passes valued at $60 are: Marg Edge, Marion Truman, Adele Griffin and Louise Endean. This week I have another giveaway. I have two double passes up for grabs for the Sydney Hotshots Magic Mike XXL show at Warrnambool's Mid City on March 29. To go in the running, all you need to do is enter here before next Thursday, March 21. The lucky winners, who will be announced next Sunday, will also receive a glass of bubbly. Keep reading each Sunday for more details about a subscriber-only opportunity to come inside The Standard's newsroom and see how we put together your stories. Here's a selection of stories to kick-start your Sunday. Until next week

Last week I gave you the opportunity to pick up a free pass to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. The lucky winners of double passes valued at $60 are: Marg Edge, Marion Truman, Adele Griffin and Louise Endean.

This week I have another giveaway. I have two double passes up for grabs for the Sydney Hotshots Magic Mike XXL show at Warrnambool's Mid City on March 29.

To go in the running, all you need to do is enter here before next Thursday, March 21. The lucky winners, who will be announced next Sunday, will also receive a glass of bubbly.

Keep reading each Sunday for more details about a subscriber-only opportunity to come inside The Standard's newsroom and see how we put together your stories.